Perfect Illusion

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First time I’ve ever decorated for Christmas and got a ton of gifts for Malia. Hoping to make this a good Christmas for her.

She clinked glasses with Beth, before taking a sip, “Well, aren’t you sweet, but you know you fall in that category as well.”

“Oh, I know,” she winked with a smile, taking a deep breath. “So, I don’t think I told you, but I’m now taking care of my niece.”

            “ — i’d offer to help, except i’m utterly hopeless with fashion.” no truer truth could be told. “i’m not even i big fan of dresses.” she added softly, hoping not to offend the brunette.

“I hate asking for help, so even if you were good with fashion, it wouldn’t really help much,” she shrugged and sighed. “My dresses are usually on the red carpet. I don’t design casual dresses.”

“Of course. It must be a great big change, especially if your previous lifestyle was the sort where taking care of a child really doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.” 

“Yeah, I never wanted kids because my job makes me travel a lot, but now I feel like this is a whole new life and I have no clue what to do. At least she can travel with me till she has to go to school, but definitely wasn’t in my plans.”

“I kind of understand.”

What is stressing you out?

“Wait, are you going to have dresses on the runway or are you just going through some sort of life crisis?”

I design for Alexander McQueen. You may have heard of that brand.

“Beth, people look at me weird regardless of what I’m doing.” She held up a foot, showing off her ridiculously high platform heels. Putting her foot down, she held up her glass of wine, “To individuality.”

“It’s obviously because you’re so damn attractive,” she smiled as she raised her glass with Max. “Individuality.” 

“It must be a learning curve. You could try and read some literature on the subject? Surely some of that could be at least of some use.”

Yeah, I’m gonna start reading things, but it’s still sinking in that this is happening.

“Well, I am sure you will do great job. You seem like the sort of person who really cares and is willing to put some work into being a good caretaker.” 

“I don’t really know if you’re right, but I’m sure that I’ll figure it out sooner or later. It’s just something that me and her will have to learn and go from there.”

“Oh… shite,” a quick silence came over him and he shook his head a bit. “You didn’t have to tell me that.  I’m sorry.” Keeping his eyes on her for a few seconds, he sucked in a breath. “The old school Disney movies aren’t too bad.  Trying some of those couldn’t hurt. —She’s bound to find one entertaining enough to watch on repeat for a few weeks anyway, and that’ll save you some time. —And sanity, depending on which one it is.” Pressing his lips together, he nodded. “Yeah… I– uh, I know what you mean.  But you gotta be cut out for it somehow.  I mean, she was placed with you.”

“It’s not like I don’t trust you. I believe that you will keep it quiet. Plus, I kind of just had to tell someone,” she gave a small shrug as she looked at Elijah. He knew how to handle her when she felt like this. “I need to get some on Blu-Ray. This is just so confusing. As long as I don’t have to watch Doc McStuffins for 8 hours a day, I’m open to anything.” Beth looked at him, a little confused on how he was acting, but she didn’t want to press it. “I know. I don’t really know why though. I am her godmother, so I’m guessing that’s why.”

“Wait… a few years?” He repeated. “—As far as I know annoying cartoons and a bunch of useless toys’ll do… For the most part.”

“My sister got arrested for drugs, so now I’m taking care of Malia. I don’t know how long she will be in prison for, so I’m kind of stuck,” Beth sighed as she looked at Elijah with a small shrug. “I’ve been playing those toddler Disney shows, but they are so annoying with all the songs. I’m just not really set up to do this, you know?”

“Wow. You are lucky, then. Maybe you could teach her how to be a fashion designer, too. Just like her auntie.”

“She likes to draw, but obviously it’s nothing amazing. She was just playing with her dolls. It kept her happy, so that’s all that matters.”

“Awwwww, you called me adorable!” Remy grinned, “Selective hearing. You see how that works.”

“And we’re back to making me want to puke,” she rolled her eyes.

“I might as well. It’s been way too long.” Max looked down at the food, “It’s been way too long old friend.” She took another bite of her food, savoring the flavor. “I’m almost tempted to eat your’s as well. But I’m a lady, and that would be rude.”

“True. But, I’m sure people will look at us weird,” she smiled at her, crossing her legs. “I’ll share. I’ll be nice today.”